How to become a Cytotechnologist
Official title: Cytotechnologists
Also called: Cytologist, Cytology Applications Specialist, Cytology Coordinator, Cytology Technical Specialist, Cytotechnologist
Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.
Main tasks
- Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.
- Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.
- Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.
- Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.
- Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.
- Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.
- Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports.
- Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method.
How to become one
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians typically need a bachelor's degree to enter the occupation. Technicians sometimes qualify for jobs with an associate's degree. Some states require technologists and technicians to be licensed.
Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- College: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 23 universities in the US
- College: Science degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
- Licence: A licence is required in 8 states.
Pay · Outlook
- About 343,000 people work in this job now, and about 352,400 are projected by 2035. (+2.7%)
Related jobs
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Cytogenetic Technologists
- Histotechnologists
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Histology Technicians
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a Cytotechnologist?
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians typically need a bachelor's degree to enter the occupation. Technicians sometimes qualify for jobs with an associate's degree. Some states require technologists and technicians to be licensed.
Is a Cytotechnologist a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2035, from about 343,000 to about 352,400 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Cytotechnologist?
Not always. 51% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Medicine & Dentistry degrees; Science degrees.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.